When I began my journey into the world of bodybuilding I was quickly introduced to two resources: (1) Marc David's No Bull Bodybuilding; and (2) Skip La Cour's Bodybuilding and Training podcast. I am thankful for both of these resources as they have formed a solid foundation for my bodybuilding lifestyle. When I speak to other aspiring bodybuilders I tend to feel like a genius, but then I realize that I had this solid foundation that I built before starting and most people do not have that.
Skip La Cour's Mass Machine
The podcast recently (within the past year or so) took on the name Mass Machine because Skip opened up his own line of supplements under the “Mass Machine” name. His typical format is somewhat like a talk radio show. He has a topic that he discusses (in the episode I listened to most recently the topic was “How many exercises and sets of bench press for chest training is optimal?”).
Skip provides a 24 hour hotline number to call for recording your questions. To me this is a brilliant idea. When I started listening to Skip I had questions, but his podcast was on the air on Sunday mornings and he took your questions live, so I was often unable to call in and get my questions answered. These days I could record them and eventually he will get to them.
Technology Used
Skip uses Blogtalkradio.com for hosting his podcast. I am not certain what technology he uses to actually record the podcast. However, he has some issues with clarity. I have trouble hearing him when my computer is at full volume. I feel he needs to address this issue in order to make this podcast something everyone should listen to.
Information Provided
Skip provides quality information in his podcasts. He is a 6 time National Champion bodybuilder and the knowledge he has shows. Skip speaks with great confidence and doesn't hesitate when answering questions. He has been a promoter of the Max-OT training program for many years. He has recorded DVDs about the Max-OT program. The Max-OT program speaks to my philosophy of lifting (heavy weights, low reps and few sets) so I am a huge fan of the program. I have read the entire Max-OT documentation several times to gain a better understanding of building mass. I also own Skip's DVDs on the topic. It is an amazing program that I recommend (and will review another time).
If you want advice from a champion, this is the show to listen to. Skip says things in a way that makes them stick. I remember listening to him during a cardio session once almost 4 years ago. This guy calls in and says that he wants to lean out, but that he has trouble with his eating habits. Skip goes to work questioning the guy to gain an understanding of his problem. When Skip collected all the information he felt he needed, he told the guy that for sure his eating was a problem. He then gave the guy some advice that I still give to people to this day. Skip told the guy he needs to eat a good clean breakfast, a good clean lunch and a good clean dinner along with 2 snacks placed in between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. He needed to do that 5 days a week. On the weekends the guy was allowed to eat pizza and junk food. As long as Monday through Friday he ate clean Skip gave him the green light to eat however he wanted on the weekend. Skip then explained “You will make progress with this plan. You will then wonder what will happen if you eat clean 6 days a week and you will then try that. You will make even more progress. Soon you will be eating clean 7 days a week.” Skip's advice was spot on.
My Recommendation
I highly recommend this podcast. Skip La Cour is a no bullshit type of guy. At times I find him to be intimidating, but far less than Mark Rippetoe. Whereas Mark Rippetoe sometimes comes off as rude (he isn't) Skip never comes off rude, just extremely knowledgeable. He is so knowledgeable.
Skip will teach you how to think. He will teach you how to motivate yourself. He doesn't just give you an answer and move on. The key here is that Skip teaches you. For instance, when answering the question in the podcast I talked about above, Skip discussed warming up and how it helps you maximize your lifts. It made me think.
Definitely go and listen to Skip La Cour's podcast. You won't be sorry.
